Beach-ready pastels

Sandy A La Mode is a blog I read regularly. She has a beautifully-designed blog, is a beautiful lil' lady, and has a cute boy named Austin. She recently introduced a style-finder site called Fashionspace. At first, it looks like ShopStyle, except through Fashionspace, clicks from a post equal commissions. Anyways, she teamed up with another blogger for ModCloth giveaway, for which she'd pick a winner with her favorite "Pastels" board.

Father's Day Gifts under $50

I don't usually post anything on Saturdays, but since I had so much fun putting together a list of Mother's Day gifts for under $50, I thought I'd take a stab at a list of Father's Day gifts.

HUGE box

I ordered this laundry drying rack from Amazon (great rack, I might add -- sturdy and allows several sweaters and other delicates to hang at an angle. Here's a 2-rack version). Anyways, it came in this HUGE box. I was like "what did I order?" We order so much stuff from Amazon, it can be hard to keep track! Anyone else know the feeling?

Mother's Day Gifts Under $50

This will be the 3rd Mother's Day that I'm celebrating as a mom. I celebrate being a mom everyday, but just to make Mother's Day on May 13th May 13th even more special, I've put together a if-you-wanted-to-get-me-something list (in order of preference). Just putting it out there! Share your recommendations in the comments!

Inspired by Old Navy ad

Our snailmail mailbox was overflowing when I checked it last evening. It's just so easy to let mail sit in there for a week or so. What ever happened to the days when mail was delivered to your door? Is there a time-saving, privacy thing going on?? Anyways, I received a15% off $50 purchase to Old Navy and was inspired to buy when I saw their ad. Haven't bought anything, but here's what I'm thinking...

From sports car to practical car

The hubby's first car was an Acura RSX (they don't make them anymore?). It was a sweet ride with pimped-out spoiler, nice rims, body kit, and other JDI (Japanese Domestic Import) parts. I have to admit that the first time he picked me up, I said to myself "Nice car". I totally didn't think I was one of those girls. Oh, and it was a manual transmission, which is beyond cool in my book.

Vehicle buying decision matrix

A while ago, the hubby and I were considering buying either an SUV or a minivan. Initially, I shuddered at the word "minivan". I told myself I'd never own a minivan. Ever. But like all "I'll never" statements made before having our son, I had to seriously consider a minivan now because my needs have changed. Now you may say, you only have one kid, why do you need a minivan? Or, even if you had two kids, why do you need a minivan? Read my old post to find out, please.

JCP and customer loyalty

I know this is almost two months late, but I'd just like to say that JCPenny's January catalog and new look blew me away. The layout was simple and clean -- almost Target-esque, which I guess is no surprise now that I know JCP's CEO worked for Target. Anyways, January's catalog contained items that I actually wouldn't mind checking out in-store. Goodness knows I would have never thought to walk into a JCP before this.

Day 17: Our day off and my online haul

The day started out with a peaceful, take-our-time breakfast. The hubby and I chatted about photography -- purchasing accessories, new lenses, and possibly taking a course together. Other classes we chatted about were cooking, swimming (low on my list *wink*), and tennis lessons. We're trying to be proactive about spending time together! After breakfast, we went our separate ways because I had some shopping to do and he had some WOW to play!

P.S. I added an effect to my original photo in Picasa! And added a watermark. Who knew?

Sadly, I went home empty-handed after a trip to the mall. It really irks me when that happens, but I didn't let that stop me because I went home and did some crazy shopping online! Here's what's coming in the mail!

Ann Taylor Woodland Cable Crew Neck Sweaters, $15.95 after SHOPANN 60% discount (today's discount is WEEKEND for 40% off). Buy through ebates (referral link) for 2.5% cash back!

Ann Taylor Loft Petite Saddle Shoulder Cardigan, $20 and $16 after SHOPSALE 60% off. Buy through ebates (referral link) for 3% cash back!

All prices after ONSAVEBIG 25% discount (today's discount is NEWYOU for 30% off!)
Old Navy Women's The Diva Skinny Jeans, $22.13
Old Navy Women's Poplin-Stretch Dress Shirts, $19.88
Old Navy Women's Cable Knit Sweaters, $16.88
Old Navy Women's Cropped Cable Knit Sweaters, $12.97, How could I resist for $13? And cropped means it could be a shorter length! Buy through ebates (referral link) for 2% cash back!

So I guess the only thing I didn't get off my wishlist was a gingham shirt. No biggie because I got plenty! I just hope some of it fits! Ah, the risk of shopping online...

Are you taking advantage of any sales today?

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Day 13: Goin' shoppin'

I recently tweeted how awesome it'd be if my hubby and I both had off of work, but our daycare was still open. He said he'd play WOW and I'd go shopping. Don't judge us! We love spending time with our awesome boy, but sometimes Mom and Dad need a day off! Can I get an "amen"?

Well, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is coming up, and lo-and-behold, our daycare is actually open! I'm surprised considering they have in-service days, half-days for Parent-Teacher Conferences, two weeks off for Winter Break, and a week off for Spring Break...but that's my only complaint because otherwise I love them!

So, as promised in my tweet (follow me on Twitter), I'm goin' shopping!

I am currently obsessed with cable knit sweaters and gingham as worn by Extra Petite, Alterations Needed, Petite Little Girl.

J. Crew Honeycomb cable sweater | Gap Gingham Shirt | Gap 1969 Lightweight Real Straight Jeans

Other options are:

• Crewcuts Girl's Mohair Cable Popover, as seen on Extra Petite
• H&M gingham shirt, as seen also on Extra Petite.

What would you do with a day all to yourself?

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Spending $271 per child this Christmas?

When I was growing up, I remember receiving ONE GIFT from my parents. When my sister and I were old enough, we also exchanged a SINGLE GIFT. So seriously, what is up with spending $200 per child these days?!

The survey results of Are your kids spoiled? on Parenting.com shows that:

Parents plan to spend an average of $271 per child on gifts this year, with a surprising one in eight spending between $300 and $400. Despite the tough times, 74% will spend the same amount or more than last year.

The drivers were guilt for not fulfilling their children's wishlists and keeping up with the Joneses. Speaking of wishlists, it was Target that came out with a toy book with checkboxes next to the toys. Really?

This year, we bought multiple gifts for J because we've been dragging our feet on toy-buying in general since J didn't play much with them anyway. Now that he's 17 months, I like him having more options to play with than electrical outlets *wink*.

We bought an American Plastic Toys My Very Own Kitchen Play Set (video of J playing with it here), a Mega Bloks Fill & Dump Wagon, and two toys for the diaper bag (Fisher-Price Stacking Blocks and Tomy Hide n Squeek Eggs). Total is not even close to $271.

Well, there is some good news from the survey:

Almost 4 out of 5 families make an effort to something to counteract the commercialism of the holiday and teach kids the importance of giving back. 70% of parents donate gifts or money to those less fortunate, and 16% volunteer as a family. 36% of families also encourage kids to spend their own money on gifts for others.

Did you hear about the anonymous donors paying off people's layaway accounts at Kmart around the country? The donors often wanted to payoff accounts for families with young children so they wouldn't have to "miss Christmas".

We need to give back to our community. And by "we", I mean my family too.


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Giveaway from A Thrifty Mom: Ultimate Date Night Finale

Enter here --> Giveaway Ultimate Date Night Finale
$25 Regal Gift Card + $30 Olive Garden Gift Card!

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$10 off $25 purchase at Macy's today & tomorrow

$10 off $25 purchase at Macy's today & tomorrow until 1pm, with exclusions of course. Go here to print your coupon! I have a two more things to buy today...

Use Google Alerts to find online deals

If you're on the lookout for something, I'd recommend setting a Google Alert. It's not always timely, as in getting notifications as soon as a deal appears, but I haven't missed a deal so far. I've setup Google Alerts for "Pampers Gifts to Grow" so that I can collect free points in my Pampers account. With purchases and free codes online, I've racked up over 3,000 points. I was waiting for 3-in-1 bike, but their rewards keep changing...

What do you think of Google Alerts?

Stride Rite - not as expensive as I thought

When I asked for advice on soft-soled shoes for J, people recommended Stride Rite and Robeez (free shipping on all orders today for delivery by 12/24 at both sites). I also got a recommendation for Shoe Train at the John Cabin Mall. Apparently, they are the BEST children's shoe store in the area with knowledgable staff and a great selection, especially for kids with specific foot-related needs.

For convenience's sake, my husband took J to Stride Rite and got a great deal! I love a deal!

I was all set to pay $30-$45 for a pair of their SRT Soft Motion shoes. But they were having a 50% off sale and my husband got 2 pairs for $33 $40 (whoops, mistake)! I'm not sure if that sale was specific to that store since it was closing, or a recent promotion. Below are the shoes we got and love. J walks so well in them, as if he weren't wearing shoes at all! I'd highly recommend them!

SRT London

SRT Alec

I remember on Black Friday buying size 5 shoes for J. It's only been a month and he's already a 5.5 (and thus wearing a 6). CRAZY how fast their little feet grow. Plus, J has little "man tao" feet, meaning they resemble little Chinese bread buns -- so cute -- just want to eat them up :).

Ultimate Date Night Giveaway on AThriftyMom

Ultimate Date Night Giveaway at AThriftyMom includes one $25 Gift Card to Regal Movie Theater and one $30 Gift Card to Olive Garden. Enter now! Entries must be in by Dec. 9, 10pm, MST.

Gap: $25 Women's Puffer Vests - Today only

If you want an additional $5 off, click here for US, here for Canada. Once you sign in, you'll get a code for in-store use only. Enjoy!

All dressed up, somewhere to go?

This time of year all the stores start pushing their pretty party dresses on us girls, and I'm always like That's so cute...except I have nowhere to go!

Well, we have an annual PSU-alum holiday party but that's pretty casual. But I'm feeling like sequins this year (or anything sparkly) even though J will probably yank them all off. I got the inspiration from ExtraPetite.com.

From top left clockwise (you can also click on the images above for the links to the retailer too):
1. Old Navy Sequin-front camis in sandstone, also in black and white, $22.94
2. Victoria Secret's Sequin racerback tank in plum, oyster, cobblestone and black, $59.50
3. Forever 21 Sequined tank top in green, also in red and black, $13.50
4. White House Black Market Allover sparkle top, $78
5. Banana Republic Sequin party shell in bronze, also in black, $49.50, now 30% using BRPARTY

I think they're fun without being too formal when paired with some jeans.

Attending any events for the holidays?

What will you be wearing? 

Starbucks BOGO

From November 17-20 from 2-5 p.m., when you buy one holiday drink, you'll get another one of equal or lesser value for free. Man, I wish Salted Caramel Frappaccino was still around :(.

Small Business Saturday, November 26th

Vocalpoint has asked bloggers to encourage their readers to shop local on November 26, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Take the pledge here and be entered to win a $25 American Express® Shop Small Gift Card. 


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